Imagine a sanctuary in a stately old church, slightly worn and crumbling, awash with the glow of warm colors and inundated with music seemingly composed with the intent to enchant the listener. Now imagine, in the space cradled by the vaulted ceiling, white, billowing clouds perched over the heads of a large group of people focused on players who seem to be conjuring some sort of modern mysticism from the pulpit.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

If you’ve never been to a show at 2640 St. Paul Street, also known as St. John’s Church, you’re missing out on experiencing a venue that is uniquely suited to host shows and performances from which legends will emerge. The building itself is a character in this narrative and lends its personality in a way that newer and traditional venues can’t. This structure was constructed with reverence in mind and this sentiment seeps into the fabric of the gatherings that occur there.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

Last weekend the inspired individuals responsible for producing Celebration’s release party for their new LP, Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot, transformed the already striking interior of St. John’s into a setting fit for a daydream.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

Celebration’s new album, Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot, is a gorgeous collection of songs that seem to have been summoned from the ether rather than produced in a studio. Each of the tracks exhibit patience in their pace as the meticulous layering of elements builds to a subtle complexity comprised of many simple pieces. The sound is delicate and powerful all at once.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

If I had to pick one track to represent the album it would have to be Honeysuckle Blue. The song starts softly; a gentle rhythm keeps time in the background while an eerie guitar track frames the other elements. Katrina Ford’s ghostly vocals lead the way into the song. Soon the drums come in and what started as a spooky, hollow beginning tightens up and moves with a rhythm that could easily start a dance party. The transition is ingenious and seamless.

In what was an interesting departure for the band, Celebration flirts with a southern gospel sensibility on the track Great Pyramid. Imagine Stevie Wonder covering Ray Charles using a clav and you start to get a picture of the feel and the phrasing though the overall sound is all Celebration.

While each of the new members of the band make important contributions to an ever-evolving sound, my favorite addition has to be bass player Walker Teret. Not only does his playing free up keyboard player Sean Antanaitis’ left hand, it also aligns nicely with the drums in such a way that makes this music more danceable than earlier offerings. The fact that his instincts are impeccable doesn’t hurt either.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

Sam Herring and Katrina Ford

The verdict is that Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot is triumphant for both the band and their label Friends Records. The album solidifies the band’s new lineup and showcases an artistic evolution that is gaining admirers with every performance. The album is available for digital download at a price of your choosing or on vinyl here.

Future Islands and Arboretum joined Celebration for their release party. And though we were sad to have missed Arboretum opening the show, Future Islands gave an amazing performance that was highlighted by a duo with Katrina Ford on their song In The Fall.

Photo by Brooke Hall, story by Justin Allen.

Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Future Islands

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot

Photo by Brooke Hall.

Hello Paradise – Electric Tarot

Photo by Brooke Hall.

2640

Photo by Brooke Hall.

WHAT DO A YOUTH MEDIA FESTIVAL AND A FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANT HAVE IN COMMON?

Wide Angle Youth Media started the Who Are You? Youth Media Festival in 2005 to build local audiences for local youth voices in order to strengthen ties and foster understanding in our community. For this year’s festival benefit, Wide Angle is very excited to feature Spike and Amy Gjerde, co-owners of Woodberry Kitchen, Baltimore’s premiere farm-to-table restaurant grounded in the traditions and ingredients of the Chesapeake region. Woodberry’s commitment to partnering with local farmers is a model for how to build a business based on the values of community, sustainability and strong relationships. We hope you’ll join us!

INFO: info@wideanglemedia.org, 443-759-6700.